Business EV Charging Grant

The Business EV Charger Grant offers up to 50% of the overall cost of a Level 2 charging station (max $5,000 rebate per station) to local businesses and non-profit organizations seeking to add a public charger to their site by partnering with the District of Central Saanich.

Who is eligible to apply? Businesses in the communities of Central Saanich, Tsartlip and Tsawout First Nations, as well as not-for-profit organizations that provide a public service within the District of Central Saanich (with written consent from the property owner).

What to know

1. Pre-approval of grant eligibility is required prior to purchasing equipment or installation. Please read the eligibility guidelines.
2. If your application is approved, the grant will cover up to 50% (the owner of the property must match the contribution) of the overall cost of a Level 2 public charging station, to a maximum of $5,000 rebate per charger.
3. The charging station stall must be:
   1. a dedicated parking stall must be provided with clear signage and painted EV Car marking on the stall surface.  Signage could include a maximum charging time allowed per visit (e.g. 2 hours).
   2. accessible to the general public for use 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.
   3. provided in a public location on private property and visible to the public.
   4. include directional signage if not seen from the street. Signage must meet all sign bylaws and obtain a permit, if applicable.
4. The grant is only for the procurement and installation of a new charger to existing business sites and must not replace an existing Level 2 charger.
5. All work must be completed within 12 months once the project is pre-approved.
6. The charger must be maintained and remain operational for a minimum of 5 years.
7. The charger should have the ability to network. This could benefit the business by helping to, for instance: understand how frequently the charger is being used, monitor the operation of the station (and if it needs to be serviced), increase exposure of the site to potential customers, allow for a fee to be charged.
8. Upon completion, the participant must agree to allow the District to publicize the EV charging station installation and its location, of which has been supported by the grant. 
9. If the application is pre-approved, the District will issue an agreement. Following the issuance of any required permits installation would start.  Save all invoices and receipts. Once the installation is completed and shown that it meets District requirements, the grant (rebate) can be requested.  

10. IMPORTANT: The district will require an expense reporting form including copies of all relevant receipts and invoices pertaining to the project as proof of payment, and copies of credit card receipts or cancelled cheques AND before and after digital photos of the charger site.

Helpful tips:

• Partnering with the District to recieve this grant does not stop you from applying for other rebates (e.g., provincial or federal).
• The business or property owner may charge a cost related to the amount of time spent at the charging station by the customer, employee or general public. Current standard practice is a $1/hour charge fee for use of a Level 2 charger. Depending on the layout of your parking area, you could consider a charger with two ports to allow two vehicles to charge at the same time side by side, or a parking stall that would allow larger vehicles or vehicles with trailers to pull through. To better understand EV chargers and whether your site might be suitable, please visit the PlugIn BC.

Installation:

• Charger must be installed by a qualified professional.
• EV charger must be installed and proof of purchase (i.e., invoicing) must be provided prior to receiving grant rebate, within the deadline of the project timeline.
• Underground utilities and services may impact the cost of installation and complexity of your proposed project. Make sure to check with appropriate certified contractors before committing to a space.
• A sign permit and other non-municipal permits will be required before installation.

Learn more

Contact the Planning Department to determine if the subject property is eligible or for other questions (climate@csaanich.ca or 250-652-5789).

APPLY

Apply below OR download and submit a printable application form. Applications will be assessed on a first-come, first-serve basis. The current intake period closes December 31, 2022; the program will re-open again for applications in 2023.